Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sally Mapstone sent an email to students this morning, following her last university-wide email on Sunday.

In her email, she wrote “I am writing again today to ask that you go home without delay, if you can.

“I know that there are some of you who cannot travel or go home, and I want to assure you that we will do everything we can to look after you in St Andrews in the weeks and months ahead.

“The fewer students who stay here, however, the better we are able to look after those who cannot leave.”

The email comes after the British government announced a series of new measures yesterday in order to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Covid-19.

As a result of these measures, the University’s libraries, Sports Centre, Students’ Association, and public spaces have been closed until further notice. Some other buildings will only be accessible through swipe card.

The Principal’s email also said that Schools and Professional Service Units were last night instructed to implement remote-working plans which have been in preparation for several weeks, for staff who can work from home.

The Principal has also asked students to check their University email accounts at least twice daily for further updates, especially in relation to instructions for the online teaching and assessment programme which will be in place for the remainder of this semester.

Notwithstanding the obvious challenges that Coronvirus Covid-19 poses, the Principal assured students that the University’s “priority is your safety and wellbeing, whether you are at home or staying with us in St Andrews.”

You can contact the Coronavirus Helpdesk in the Advice and Support Centre, North Street, theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk, tel: 01334 464146.